Engine Starts After Breakfast: Oil Kumar Swaps Meals For Motor Oil

A man nicknamed 'Oil Kumar' from Karnataka's Shivamogga district has garnered significant public interest due to his extraordinary dietary preferences. According to reports, he consumes approximately seven to eight liters of engine oil daily, accompanied by tea, rather than conventional food.

An Instagram video allegedly shows 'Oil Kumar' declining regular food offered by bystanders, opting instead to drink what he claims is black motor oil directly from a bottle. The viral post states that he has maintained this unusual consumption pattern for over three decades.

The caption on the post reads: "For the past 33 years, Shivamogga's Oil Kumar has astonished the world by surviving without traditional food. Rather than consuming rice or chapati, his daily intake consists of 7-8 liters of waste engine oil and tea."

Remarkably, 'Oil Kumar' has reportedly never required hospitalization or experienced serious health complications necessitating medical intervention.

The post further mentions that 'Oil Kumar' credits his survival to his devotion to Lord Ayyappa.

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Why Engine Oil Is Harmful

Used engine oil contains numerous hazardous components:

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): These carcinogenic compounds form during combustion. One example, benzo[a]pyrene, is listed under California's Proposition 65 due to cancer risks.

Heavy Metals: According to NCBI, elements such as iron, aluminum, copper, and lead are present from engine wear and contamination.

Additives: Compounds including zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDTP), calcium alkyl phenates, and magnesium sulfonates can cause toxicity to the liver and nervous system.

Contaminants: The toxicity is further increased by water, soot, carbon particles, and unburned fuel residues.

Health Risks Of Engine Oil Exposure

Poison Control warns that motor oil can be extremely dangerous when ingested, particularly if it enters the lungs. Immediate medical attention is necessary if breathing difficulties occur after swallowing.

Small quantities reaching the stomach typically result in diarrhea.

Additional exposure risks include:

Cancer: According to PubMed, PAHs in used oil are established carcinogens that increase risks of skin, liver, and lung cancers.

Neurological Damage: Tricresyl phosphates contained in oil can damage the peripheral nervous system, resulting in neuromuscular disorders.

Reproductive Harm: NCBI reports that extended exposure to certain additives has been connected to reproductive toxicity in animal studies.

Organ Damage: Heavy metals and other contaminants may accumulate in organs, causing long-term health issues.

The National Poisons Information Center at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi provides assistance for preventing and managing poisoning emergencies.

The agency states, "The probability of ingestion of these substances/products either accidentally or intentionally has increased manifold. Acute poisoning is one of the most common emergencies throughout the world."

Disclaimer - Ingesting engine oil is extremely dangerous and can be fatal. Do not attempt to imitate this behavior.